TW201812187A - High performance thread rolling and thread locking fastener - Google Patents

Abstract

A thread rolling and self locking fastener is provided. A thread rolling external thread is disposed along the shaft of the fastener. A non-continuous core thread is also disposed thereon.

Description

 High performance thread rolling and thread locking fasteners   [Priority claim]

This application claims the priority of US Provisional Application No. 62/376,704, filed on August 18, 2016 by Bobby Lee Budziszek, for the purpose of high performance thread rolling and thread locking fasteners. The entire contents of this are incorporated herein by reference.

This invention relates to thread rolling fasteners and, more particularly, to thread rolling and thread locking fasteners.

High performance thread rolling fasteners (i.e., fasteners that form internal threads in the screw) have been used for many years. Similarly, threaded fasteners have also been used as fastening systems for many years. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,089,806, entitled "BLANK FOR SELF-TAPPING FASTENER"; U.S. Patent No. 5,722,808, entitled "Threaded Fastening System (" "THREADED FASTENER SYSTEM"; and U.S. Patent No. 4,351,626, entitled "SELF-LOCKING THREADED FASTENER", describes the unique function of threaded or threaded fasteners. For example of previous fasteners, the contents of each case are incorporated herein by reference.

1 is an exemplary side view of an automatic locking fastener and nut combination 100 currently known in the art. The fastener includes a head portion 105, a threadless stem portion 115, and a threaded stem portion 110. The threaded stem is operatively interacted with a threaded nut member 120 to form an automatic locking fastener combination. Generally, the threaded stem portion 110 includes a special thread design that creates a stable metal-to-metal contact and prevents lateral movement of the fastener and nut relative to each other and loosening of the fastener when subjected to vibrational forces.

Figure 2 is an exemplary side view of an exemplary thread rolling fastener 200 currently known in the art. The fastener 200 includes a head 205 having a base 210. A stem portion 225 extends therefrom and has a threaded portion 215 and a threaded roller portion 225. The threaded roll portion 225 in the Figure is designed to form a suitable thread in a material, such as a threadless nut member (not shown), when a suitable rotational force is applied to the fastener 200 through the head 205. The fastener may be as defined in SAE-J1237 1979, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

As described above, fasteners having automatic locking capabilities are known in the art. Likewise, thread rolling fasteners are also known in the art. However, there are no fasteners that combine both thread rolling and automatic locking. There is a need in the art for a one-piece fastener that combines two features because it simplifies design options.

The above disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by providing a threaded and automatic locking fastener (screw). The thread (or other fastener) provides high performance thread rolling capability and a mechanical locking feature that exemplifies interleaving between newly formed threads in a nut (or other material) based on the novel design of the screw thread Sequential interference. The locking element (or core thread) is different from prior art systems that rely on the pressure at the joint surface. Conversely, the locking elements on the fastener create a threaded interface by re-forming the nut thread material around the fastener cores to provide protection from possible application to the fastener-nut assembly. External (for example, vibration) mechanical force of the loosening tendency of the mechanical interface.

The locking element includes a core thread having a smaller diameter than the outer thread of the fastener. The core thread is not continuous in the body of the fastener. In operation, the locking element, or core thread, deforms the previously created internal thread to create an internal pressure zone. This only causes a portion of the internal thread to deform; however, the fully formed external and internal threads form a pinch which creates an internal lock. After the locking element deforms a portion of the internal thread, the external thread of the fastener re-forms the internal thread. Because the locking elements are discontinuous, when the fastener is removed, the external threads reform the internal threads into their original shape so that the nut member can be reused.

The same principle applies when using a pre-tapped nut member. When the fastener is inserted, the external threads will follow the internal threads and the locking element will deform the internal threads. These external threads will remain and re-form during internal insertion and removal.

100‧‧‧Automatic locking fasteners and nut combinations

105‧‧‧ head

110‧‧‧Threaded rod

115‧‧‧Threadless rod

120‧‧‧Threaded nut members

200‧‧‧Threaded Roll Fasteners

205‧‧‧ head

210‧‧‧Base

215‧‧‧Threaded parts

220‧‧‧Thread Rolling Department

225‧‧‧ Rod

300A‧‧‧fasteners

300B‧‧‧fasteners

305‧‧‧ head

310‧‧‧Base

315‧‧ thread

320‧‧‧Wire entrance

325‧‧‧End of fasteners

330‧‧‧Locking components

340‧‧‧ pole

500A‧‧‧fasteners

500B‧‧‧fasteners

500C‧‧‧fasteners

600A‧‧‧fasteners

600B‧‧‧fasteners

600C‧‧‧fasteners

600D‧‧‧fasteners

605‧‧‧section view

610‧‧‧section view

615‧‧‧section view

620‧‧‧ Cutaway view

705‧‧‧ nut

710‧‧‧ inner edge

805‧‧‧ nuts

810‧‧‧ internal thread

The above and further advantages of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals represent the same or substantially the same elements: FIG. 1 , which has been described above, is a side view of an exemplary automatic locking fastener assembly; Figure, previously described, is a side view of an exemplary thread rolling fastener; Figure 3A is a side view of an exemplary thread rolling and automatic locking fastener in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; A side view of an exemplary thread rolling and automatic locking fastener exemplifying the arrangement of the locking elements (core threads) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 4 is an external thread according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. An exemplary thread profile view with a core thread; FIG. 5A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary thread rolling and automatic locking fastener in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5B is a diagram in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention A cross-sectional view of an exemplary thread rolling and automatic locking fastener; FIG. 5C is a transverse cross-sectional view of an exemplary thread rolling and automatic locking fastener in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; A partial side view of a fastener according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6B is a partial side elevational view of an exemplary fastener illustrating a starting point of a core thread in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; A partial side view of an exemplary fastener in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates a core thread; FIG. 6D is a partial side elevational view of an exemplary fastener illustrating a core thread in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary fastener in an unthreaded nut member, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a threaded nut member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; An exemplary fastener in the middle.

The present invention provides an exemplary thread rolling and automatic locking fastener. A threaded external thread is applied to the fastener in the figures. A plurality of novel locking elements, including a core thread, are disposed between the external threads at discrete locations along the shank of the fastener to provide a locking function. The core threads deform the nut material to provide an automatic locking function. The external threads re-form the internal threads of a nut to allow the nut to be reused.

3A is a side view of an exemplary fastener 300A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The fastener 300A in the figure includes a head 305 having a base 310. A stem 340 extends from the base 310 along the axis of the fastener to a fastener end 325. An exemplary helical thread 315 is provided in a portion of the stem 340 that has an external thread. As illustrated, the helical thread 315 includes the threads of a thread rolling screw as defined in SAE-J1237 1979, incorporated above and may have a thread size as defined in IFI 510, which is incorporated herein by reference. The stem portion 340 of the figure also includes a tapered wire entry portion 320 that can be used to position the fastener within a nut member (not shown) in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, an exemplary locking element (or core thread) 330 can be interspersed in the portion of the stem 340 having the helical threads 315 to provide this novel locking capability, as further described below.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the head 305 of the figure includes a suitable mechanism to be engaged by a tool, such as a screwdriver or the like, for applying a rotational force thereon for insertion/removal from a nut member. . The head 305 can be engaged with a tool using any type of mechanism.

The stem portion 340 can have a substantially circular cross-section; alternatively, there can be an alternative cross-section, for example, having a cross-section of three vanes as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,089,806, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 3B is a side view of fastener 300B in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3B, a plurality of locking elements 330 are disposed along the stem 340. The locking element in the figure is now a core thread, as further explained below. It should be noted that the locking elements in this description are used interchangeably with terms such as core threads. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking elements 330 are spaced apart such that a nut member must be engaged along the length of the stem. As illustrated, the locking elements are positioned along 340 such that no two core threads are positioned to be close to the thread pitch of the outer threads 315 (ie, the distance between the tops of adjacent threads). About twice. It should be noted that this is an exemplary distance; in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the distance between the locking elements 330 may be greater than and/or less than twice the spacing of the external threads. Further, although the description is written in which the locking elements are discontinuously dispersed in the stem, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the locking elements may be substantially uniformly and/or continuously dispersed in In the rod. Thus, the number and frequency of the locking elements 330 can be different in different fasteners based on the design choice of the type and thickness of the nut member. Accordingly, the description and illustration of the locking element 330 in Figures 3A, B should be considered merely as an example.

4 is an exemplary thread profile view of an outer thread 315 and a core thread 330, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The lowest points between the threads are separated from one another by a distance P, that is, at any point in a thread, the corresponding position of the next thread will be at a distance P apart. As shown, the external threads do not have a complete triangular profile, but are truncated. As shown, the height of an untrimmed external thread is approximately 0.8660254 of P. It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, the height of the external threads may vary depending on design choices. Therefore, the heights used herein should be considered as exemplary only.

Figure 4 illustrates three metrics: Tmax = 0.407214 × P

T=0.433013×P

Tmin=0.37886×P.

It should be noted that such values are exemplary and may vary in alternative embodiments of the invention. The T in the figure is the measured value at which the minor thread pitch diameter and the main thread pitch diameter are aligned. The Tmax in the figure is the measured value on the secondary thread with a tolerance of about 1/2 pitch diameter above T. Similarly, Tmin in the figure is a measure of the secondary thread below about 1/2 pitch diameter tolerance below T.

FIG. 5A is an exemplary cross-sectional view of an exemplary fastener 500A in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5A shows a longitudinal view of an exemplary fastener along the diameter line A-A. Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary fastener 500B taken along line B-B of Figure 5A. Figure 5C is an exemplary cross-sectional view 500C of a fastener in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention along line C-C of Figure 5A. The cross-sectional views 500B, C show an exemplary external thread profile 315 and a locking element 330. As will be seen in the exemplary sections 500B, C, the core thread 330 rotates along the portion of the stem and does not exceed the diameter of the outer thread 315. It should be noted that the exemplary sections 500B, C are an exemplary three-bladed section design. It should be further noted that in alternative embodiments of the invention, different profiles may be utilized to achieve the objectives of the present invention. Therefore, the description of the three-blade profile should only be considered exemplary.

This is further illustrated in Figures 6A-D. 6A is an exemplary side and cross-sectional view 600A of a fastener in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Cross-sectional view 605 illustrates the diameter of external thread 315 that can be seen from Figure 6A. There are no locking elements at this particular point of the fastener. However, in Figure 6B, a locking element 330 begins to appear at the space between the external threads 315. As the fastener continues to rotate, the size of the locking element 330 continues to increase, as shown in Figure 6C. Continuing in Figure 6D, the locking element 330 reaches a maximum dimension between the outer threads 315.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an exemplary unthreaded nut member 705 having an exemplary fastener inserted therein. The exemplary nut 705 is illustrated in the figures, while the cross-sectional view of the nut shows the unthreaded nut portion 705 and the inner edge 710 of the nut member 705. Thread 315 forms a suitable internal thread of a threadless nut member in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Further locking element 330 is deformed as described above for the unthreaded nut member for creating a locking mechanism.

8 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a fastener inserted into a threaded nut member 805 having internal threads 810, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The locking member 330 shown in the figures deforms the nut member 805 to create the locking mechanism.

This description has been written in terms of various illustrative embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the described embodiments should be considered as illustrative only.

Claims (10)

 A fastener comprising: a head portion extending from the head portion at a first axial center, the shaft portion having a threaded rolling helical thread formed thereon; and more than one core thread along the The pole is set.    The fastener of claim 1, wherein the stem has a circular cross section.    A fastener according to claim 1, wherein the stem has a cross section having three blades.    The fastener of claim 1 wherein the one or more core threads are spaced along the stem by a width of about one nut member.    A fastener according to claim 1, wherein the one or more core threads are disposed between the threads of the thread rolling helical threads along the stem.    A fastener comprising: a stem extending along a first axis, a head coupled to a first end of the stem, the head extending perpendicular to the first axis, wherein the head Constructed to receive a driving force; a first thread is disposed from the head along the stem to a second end of the stem portion, the first thread being configured to be formed in a nut member Thread; a second thread disposed along more than one portion of the stem, the second thread forming the material of the nut member as a locking mechanism when the fastener is inserted into the nut member.    The fastener of claim 6, wherein the second thread reforms the material of the nut member when the fastener is removed.    The fastener of claim 6, wherein the first thread is a self-tapping thread.    The fastener of claim 6 wherein the second thread is substantially periodic along the stem from the head to the second end of the stem.    A system comprising: a fastener having a first thread and a second thread disposed thereon, the first thread is a threaded thread, and the second thread is a core thread; and a nut member, the nut The nut member is deformed by the second thread upon insertion such that the fastener and nut member are locked, and wherein the nut member is re-formed by the second thread upon removal.